Compare

Phishmake vs Microsoft Attack Simulation Training

Microsoft's phishing simulator, Attack Simulation Training, combines simulations and follow-up learning inside Microsoft Defender. Phishmake provides a standalone simulation and training workflow. Compare licensing, email environments, reporting, and administration against your team's requirements.

Why security teams choose Phishmake

Over 90% of cyber attacks begin with an email, attackers target your people, not your firewall. Phishmake turns that weakest link into your strongest line of defense.

Standalone licensing

A standalone package tailored after a product demo, independent of your Microsoft 365 plan.

Unlimited phishing campaigns

Schedule repeat campaigns around your awareness program.

Ready-to-use template library

Use the template library and discuss custom scenarios with the team.

Employee activity tracking

Review supported campaign events and training completion. Validate the reporting workflow with your email environment during a pilot.

Exportable reports

Real-time dashboards, six months of event logging, and CSV / PDF exports ready for your auditors.

24×7×365 live chat support

Not a general support queue.

Microsoft Attack Simulation Training vs Phishmake at a glance

Feature	Phishmake	Microsoft Attack Simulation Training
Licensing	Tailored after a product demo	Qualifying Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 licensing, including Microsoft 365 E5
Works with	Any email provider / domain	Microsoft 365; on-premises mailboxes have reporting limitations
Campaign volume	Unlimited	No simulation count limit per time interval; service message-rate limits apply
Templates	Library + paste-email + on-demand build	Built-in catalog and custom payload creation
Automation	Platform-native	Simulation automation; no corresponding PowerShell cmdlets
Data residency	India-hosted infrastructure	Microsoft 365 data locations; verify your tenant and region
Live support	24×7×365 live chat	Microsoft support channels
Best for	Any org wanting a full program	Organizations operating awareness inside Microsoft Defender

The Phishmake difference vs Microsoft Attack Simulation Training

Compare your existing licensing.

Microsoft includes Attack Simulation Training with qualifying Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 licensing, including Microsoft 365 E5. Check your existing entitlements and current terms before estimating additional licensing costs. Phishmake is a separate tailored subscription agreed after a demo. Microsoft service and licensing details.

Plan campaign volume accurately.

Microsoft documents no limit on the number of simulations deployed within a time interval; service message-rate limits still apply. Compare rollout and administration needs when evaluating either platform. Microsoft campaign-limit FAQ.

Validate reporting in your email environment.

Microsoft supports on-premises mailboxes, but read, forward, delete, and reported-message counts are unavailable for those mailboxes. Test supported events, delivery, and training records in either platform before choosing. Microsoft reporting limitations.

Compare template and administration workflows.

Microsoft offers built-in and custom payloads, while Phishmake provides a template library and custom scenario options. Evaluate the authoring experience and support you need for routine campaigns. Microsoft payload documentation.

Built for Indian teams.

India-hosted infrastructure with six months of event logging - useful when auditors or regulators need to see the raw data.

Honest counter

Is Microsoft AST the better fit for you?

If your organization already has qualifying Microsoft licensing and wants to manage simulations and training inside Defender, include AST in your evaluation. Compare Phishmake when you prefer a separate awareness platform. Use a pilot to assess setup, supported events, training, and administration. Microsoft setup and environment requirements.

FAQ

Common
questions

Answers to the questions buyers ask most when comparing Microsoft Attack Simulation Training and Phishmake.

Is Phishmake a good alternative to Microsoft Attack Simulation Training?

Phishmake is worth evaluating if you want a standalone simulation and awareness-training platform. Compare licensing, email setup, campaign administration, supported reporting, and training through a representative pilot.

Is Microsoft Attack Simulation Training free?

It is a licensed capability available with qualifying Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 subscriptions, including Microsoft 365 E5. Additional licensing costs depend on your existing entitlements and current terms; verify them with Microsoft or your licensing provider.

Does Microsoft AST work with non-Microsoft or on-prem email?

Microsoft documents support for on-premises mailboxes with reduced reporting. That does not establish support for every unrelated email provider. Confirm your environment against Microsoft's requirements and test the reporting you need.

Does Microsoft limit the number of phishing simulations?

Microsoft's FAQ states there is no simulation count limit within a specific time interval. Service message-rate limits and performance constraints still apply. Review current licensing and operating requirements when planning a rollout.

How does Phishmake help with audit reporting?

Phishmake stores six months of email event data and lets you export campaign reports and audit logs as CSV or PDF. You can use these artefacts when compiling documentation for your own certifications or internal audits.

Get Started

Ready to Strengthen Your Defense?

Empower your team with realistic phishing simulations to build resilience, recognize threats, and create a security-first culture across your organization.